UPDATE: Weather conditions put multiple counties on Red Flag Warning

JACKSON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The National Weather Service in Jackson, KY has issued a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday from 11 AM to 9 PM EDT.

Red Flag Warnings are issued when fire weather conditions include a relative humidity of less than 25%, fuel moisture of less than 8% and winds at 15 mph or greater.  The warning is in effect for today, March 22, 2016 for 19 counties in eastern Kentucky.

The Division of Forestry urges citizens to refrain from outdoor burning today. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures could lead to extreme fire behavior. Fires could spread quickly and potentially burn out of control. Open burns could spread to wooded areas.

“While others are out enjoying the beautiful weather, division firefighters and countless local fire department firefighters will be engaged in wildfire suppression and protecting Kentucky’s forests, homes and communities” said Director Bill Steele Jr.

Most wildfires in Kentucky are caused by careless debris burning and arson, therefore the division is urging citizens to choose an alternate disposal method to burning and to report any information about arson to the division or a local law enforcement agency.  The division is also reminding citizens that during fire season, which ends April 30, it is illegal to burn any flammable material in or within 150 feet of any woodlands or brushlands except between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.  Other outdoor burning laws to consider include open burning regulations and legal disposal methods.

Counties included in the Red Flag Warning:  Knox, Bell, Harlan, Elliott, Morgan, Johnson, Wolfe, Magoffin, Floyd, Lee, Breathitt, Knott, Owsley, Perry, Clay, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Madison, and Pike